The Chinese (Mandarin) Bilingual Program provides students with the opportunity to acquire the basic skills for speaking, reading, writing, listening and communicating in both English and Mandarin at a young age. It is a program in which Mandarin and English are used as the languages of instruction, beginning in Kindergarten or Grade 1 and continuing to Grade 9.
Entry points - Kindergarten and Grade 1
Previous Chinese experience is not required and parents do not need to know the language
Mandarin/English Content
50/50
Simplified Chinese script will be taught beginning in Kindergarten. Recognition of Traditional script will be introduced in Grade 3 to enhance the learner's understanding of the rich culture and history which the language represents
The Han Yu Pin Yin pronunciation system will be taught to accelerate the process of learning to read in Chinese
Subjects taught in English
Kindergarten, Grades 1 to 6*
English Language Arts; Social Studies
English and Chinese (Mandarin)
integrated into the following subjects:
Mathematics ; Science; Music; Fine Arts
Subject taught in Chinese (Mandarin) Chinese (Mandarin) Language Arts
Junior High School - Grades 7, 8 & 9*
Chinese (Mandarin) Language Arts; Mathematics
*The Chinese (Mandarin) Bilingual Program opened in September of 1998 and expanded each year up to Grade 9.
Develops enhanced feelings of self-esteem due to pride in having acquired a tangible skill
Strengthens English literacy skills
Encourages the joy of lifelong learning
Promotes exploration, understanding and appreciation of the cultures of the Mandarin-speaking world and contributes to multilingualism and multiculturalism
Allows students to compete internationally
Provides students with more choices for advanced education and career options
Broadens students' cultural life through access to literature, art, music and theatre in another language
